Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Public Accounts Committee’s report on rail infrastructure, said: 

“This report highlights the Government’s piecemeal approach to transport investment and shows once again why we need a long-term infrastructure plan rather than a short-term politically driven approach.

“Labour has repeatedly called for the establishment of an independent National Infrastructure Commission to ensure we can better identify and deliver our long-term infrastructure needs, but the Government has blocked this.

“The Government needs to maximise the benefits for the whole country from HS2 and ensure it helps to regenerate our great cities and counties, gets young people into work and helps our small businesses to grow.  And we will continue to hold the Government to account for keeping costs down on HS2 - there can be no blank cheque.“

ENDS